Living small is the way of the future for densely populated urban centers, and this trend is already leading to a rise in affordable, well-thought-out micro apartments that pack a whole lot of function into as little as 100 square feet. New York City recently held a competition to develop micro-unit dwellings, won by nARCHITECTS’ ‘My Micro NY’ concept, and is now calling for similar proposals.

‘My Micro NY’ envisions fifty-five mini units for a specific location in Manhattan that would measure between 250 and 370 square feet, costing $940 to $1,800 a month, which is affordable by the city’s standards. These pre-fabricated apartments would have nine- to ten-foot ceilings, giving them a sense of spaciousness, and juliet balconies.

Integral to each of these apartments is efficient use of space, which includes transforming and multi-purpose furniture, like sofa beds. The concept also emphasizes common space including a rooftop garden, lounges on individual floors, a communal lounge, bike storage, general storage and a cafe.